Sustain Stadium, Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, 12 February 2023

Despite an excellent performance from Simon Harrison' side, Royal Wootton Bassett Town came out empty-handed from their home fixture against South West Regional Women's Football League Premier Division title-chasers Bristol Rovers as the visitors edged out a 2-1 victory.

Rovers were forced to work extremely hard to claim the victory that keeps them within three points of current leaders Forest Green Rovers with two games in hand still to play.

For Bassett, the loss was a cruel blow as they were left with nothing to show for a great display - and even saw the gap to second bottom side Poole Town extended after the Dolphins drew with Warminster Town.

If anything, however, the performance can give Bassett confidence that, despite still being bottom of the table, they can compete against any side in the division.

Indeed, Bassett were more than worthy of taking something from the game and were able to create some good chances against their high-flying opponents.

As early as the second minute, the home side could have opened the scoring when Amber Egerton broke through on goal, but she could only muster a shot that went straight at a grateful Georgia Hunt in the Rovers goal.

After surviving that early scare, Rovers grew into the game - but it took them until the half hour mark to go ahead when Laura Curnock steered in from Layah Douglas' cross.

Bassett almost mustered an immediate reply though as Megan Young weaved her way past two Rovers defender, before firing into the side netting.

A strong start to the second half did yield an equaliser though. After getting behind in the Rovers defence, Holly Baker was denied by Katie Davies' last ditch tackle to win a corner. And from Laura Jefferies' trademark delivery, Egerton was on hand to guide the ball into the net from close range on 51 minutes.

It was a goal Bassett deserved, but shortly after the hour they found themselves back behind as a scramble in the box was eventually put away by Georgia Vandries.

Rovers then almost immediately grabbed a third, but luckily for Bassett a block from Neve Johnson deflected a shot onto the post.

Chasing to get back on terms again, Bassett pushed forward as much as they could in the closing stages. However, Rovers were able to see the game out to keep their title push on track.

Bassett, meanwhile, were forced to settle with taking pride from a fine, battling display against one of the division's leading lights.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 12th February 2023 at 18:39